5 Speaking Tips from a Speaking Coach

SlideRabbit partners with Emily Davis Consulting to offer our clients access to critique and guidance from a professional speaking coach.

Public speaking ranks highly among common fears. However, it is also necessary part of professional life. Beyond powerful and helpful slides, every successful presentation also needs a confident and knowledgeable speaker. Below are five simple tips for delivering better presentations, offered in conjunction with our partner, Emily Davis.

Know your content

Firstly, a speaker that knows the content inside & out is set up for success. The more familiar the content, the less likely nerves are to come into play. That confidence creates trust in the audience. Therefore, the speaker becomes authoritative and believable.

Be passionate

The presenter is ultimately responsible for captivating the audience and holding their attention. Whatever the topic, find your passion for the material. People connect to passion first and foremost. They want to know why you are passionate about the topic and are more likely to
buy in.

Tell stories

Creating narrative around information makes stats and facts relatable. The audience connects with Hows and Whys, so ask and answer those questions. Talking about why you think the topic is important gets to the heart of the content. Starting with your “why” can completely change the interest of the audience.

Engage

Create a rapport with the audience. Ask questions. Allow the audience to air thoughts and theories during the presentation. Building an atmosphere of conversation encourages the audience to invest in the presentation along with the presenter. People want to hear themselves talk and they engage more if they can relate with their stories and questions.

Practice

Above all, practice delivery & pace. Work through the sections that feel awkward. Set a pace and vary it as appropriate with the content. In addition, speak naturally, clearly & slowly.

Crucially, practice will help you prepare for the unknown – from a logistical snafu to an unexpected question. There are always surprises but if you practice, you’ll be ready to adapt as needed.

SlideRabbit partners with Emily Davis Consulting to offer our clients access to critique and guidance from a professional speaker coach. Need killer slides to go accompany your presentation? Drop us a line.